Temp Warning

[GaryP]

This is the time of year where we end up having temperature problems in our tanks. The high humidity because of open windows, and the AC running less will cause the humidity inside the house to be a lot higher then in the summer and winter. Fall and Spring as the biggest problems for me because of this.

I normally run 2 X 100 cfm fans on a timer for most of the year. Right now, I am running 4 X 100 cfm fans 24/7 to compensate for the humidity. Our tanks , unless you are running a chiller, cool themselves through evaporation. Fan help with this by providing dry air from outside the tank. Right now that air isn't as dry. Even if you are running your AC, its not running as much because of the cooler weather. Keep an eye on your temperatures. If you have inadequate cooling, a clip on fan from Walmart may be enough to help. If you are running MH lights it can be even worse. A trip to Radio Shack to pick up an inexpensive electronic thermometer may also be a good idea.

My cooling system is designed to handle this time of year as the "worst case" it will see. You may want to re-evaluate your system to make sure you have adequate cooling capacity. I replaced the 32 cfm fans with 100 cfm fans last year after losing a couple of fish to Ich. Since then, I have had no problems. If all else fails, cut back the timers on your lights until the current warm, humid weather passes. A good cool front will do the trick. My rule of thumb is, when the windows are open, the extra fans go on.

I know, from experience, that this time of year is when I will often see outbreaks of Ich. Warmer water temps cause lower oxygen levels in the water. This results in stress for you fish and inverts. That stress can then set off a round of Ich. The warmer temperature can also speed up the life cycle of the Ich parasite.

Some of you may already know this info. I just thought I would post it for the newer folks out there.

[Thunderkat]

Very true, my apartment complex has the heat on in the winter and it gets very hot, I had to buy a window AC unit for my apartment to keep my tank at a constant temp (heater in tank keeps it from dropping too far).